Author: Sophorn Kuoy

A Look inside Oxn – A New Men’s Clothing Store

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date June 12, 2015

In an unexpected part of the South Main district, 4-foot tall white letters “OXN” cover the glass of a previously empty storefront to mark the presence of new men’s clothing and lifestyle store. Oxn was recently launched by Zac Woolfolk as part of MEMShop’s latest initiative to activate a portion of the proposed Heritage Trail route with small business retail on South Second Street.

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After applying for the MEMShop Heritage Trail inclusion in January of this year, Zac already knew he would carry brands he personally had been buying and wearing for years. Quality basics such as jeans and T-shirts would define the stock. He points to his first pair of Rogue Territory jeans displayed on Oxn’s back wall. The retired pair is well-worn and well-loved. The wear of his jeans demonstrates the nice fade, not evident when glancing at a fresh pair.

Rogue Territory and other brands at Oxn like Ewing Dry Goods and Apolis are not only high quality and functional but also meaningful to Zac. For example, he recently featured on his website the Apolis Market Bag that sources fabric from a co-op of artisan women in a rural part of Bangladesh, demonstrating their company name meaning “global citizen.” Zac’s care for the mission and story behind each brand drove his choices and eventually led to Oxn. It would be the only shop in Memphis to carry most of these brands.

In the spirit of MEMShop’s mission, Zac developed a name to the retail store that spoke of its potential in Memphis.

‘Auxin’ is a growth hormone in plants. I liked the idea of growth with my type of store in the city of Memphis, so I played around with the homophone and ended up with Oxn,” he explains. Looking ahead, Zac hopes to test out and carry more brands.

“Earlier this week I was introduced to the best T-shirt in the world made by 3sixteen. I was skeptical but 3sixteen proved me wrong. So I hope to be carrying those in the next couple of weeks.”

Zac also is looking forward to carrying another brand acknowledged by GQ in their Best of 2015 Designers of the Year, The Hill-Side out of Brooklyn, NY, for their use of fabric in men’s ties, pocket squares and scarves.

“I’m looking into other accessories and men’s goods. While I may not carry women’s clothes in the immediate future, unisex accessories is something that I plan to always keep in stock, as well. Scarves, bags, and I even had women’s perfumes, which have sold quite well,” he adds.

Oxn will be in the Second street space through October 31 when Zac will then decide on leasing it further on a month-to-month basis or find a more permanent space for his store.

Visit them at 488 South Second Street, east of Central BBQ.
Hours are Monday, Wednesday through Saturday noon-7 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m.

The online shop is now open. Keep up with store updates on Instagram and Facebook – OxnShop.

Tags Downtown, gifts, Heritage Trail, MEMShop, men's clothing, Oxn, South Main, Zac Woolfolk

Style Sessions We Recommend

Moms with Style – Mother and Daughter Design Duo Myra and Elly Deyhle

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date May 29, 2015

Style is more than just a look. it’s a demeanor.
My mom has taught me to treat not just my clients like royalty but everyone I encounter. “Be polite and cordial always. It’s a very small world, so you never know who you are going to work with again down the line.”
– Elly Deyhle

About four years ago, Elly Deyhle launched her first collection of handbags using classic textiles designed by renown architects. When we featured her handbags in 2013, we touched on her influences from architecture and her mom’s role in the design. Today, we find out more about her greatest influence, her mom Myra, who essentially encouraged the leap into owning her own business.

“My mom is a huge part of my life! She is definitely my best friend and we talk every day. She really inspired me to work for myself; in fact she insisted! When I see something as a challenge or a problem she doesn’t see it that way, she always offers a great solution,” says Elly.

“I left my job in marketing/communications for the American Institute of Architects and people thought I was crazy. I knew I had to devote myself full time if I wanted to make this business successful. When I started selling products to boutiques for every yes I had two no’s. However, I truly believed in the product and knew it could be successful. With every no I found a way to improve what I was doing and eventually turned no’s into sales. My business is constantly evolving and it is so important to be open to change but also stay true to our original classic style.”

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Elly’s exposure to design started very early. When Elly was growing up in Houston, Myra worked with well-known large firms SOM then Ziegler Cooper Architects as an interior designer.

“Elly spent more time with me at work and in the Houston decorative center than on the playground. She grew up appreciating my career and overall developed a love for design, “ says Myra about being a career mom.

In both style and design, “less is more,” they say, treasuring quality over quantity. This belief carries into their exotic handbag collection and now custom silk pillow venture together, with Elly heading the business and Myra supporting her as a consultant.Together, they delve into their passions for interior design, furnishings, decor, and fashion.

Meeting after work for dinner, Myra and Elly are both dressed in a minimal palette of black and white. Elly carries an orange cream haired hide handbag, one of the first prototypes from the upcoming collection.

“We are very excited. The new haired hide prototypes should be here soon! The [handbag] collection will include amazing color, fabulous chains (jewelry), and clutch to wristlet designs. We are also excited about the pillows, focusing on Scalamandre silks,” says Myra about what’s in store for both ventures.

Currently, Myra’s interior design skills are focused on furnishings at APG/Herman Miller located on Main, while Elly, on recent move to New Orleans, has picked up residential clients offering everything from basic room consultations to full-scale renovations. Eventually, they hope to work together in a business focusing on residential interiors.

When it comes to balancing life with all these passions, they echo the importance of relationships.

“This is always a difficult one because I work for myself so I feel like I’m always working. As best as possible, I try to focus on work while at work and give friends 100% while in social situations. My biggest challenge is trying to be a good businesswoman and a good friend,” Elly admits.

“Difficult sometimes, but relationships are so important. With Elly in New Orleans I must make myself reach out to my current friendships and pursue new friendships. I am committed to my work. In addition, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to mentor to the U of M Architectural department – they are fabulous; and 4th and 5th grade girls at White Station Elementary through Rotary Memphis East. With the young girls, how refreshing it is to give and not expect anything but small hugs back” says Myra.

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Find out more about the Elly Deyhle handbag and pillow collection at ellydeyhle.com

Myra has also volunteered with AIA Memphis to present the Design Auction, bringing collectible iconic designs to the public. Details here.

Outfit Details
On Myra:
Top: Clover Canyon. Vintage Chanel pearls. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman from Joseph. Slacks: Wolford- be gone from James Davis’ women’s department.
On Elly:
Romper: Parker from Intermix in Miami.

Shoot location:
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, Downtown Memphis

Tags Elly Deyhle, handbags, Myra Deyhle

Style Sessions We Recommend

Moms with Style – Alexandra Nicole and son Jack – The Ivory Closet

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date May 15, 2015

Life hasn’t slowed down for Alexandra Nicole this past year after opening her third boutique in Memphis. Nope, not even close.

Since the Cedar Room opened in Harbor Town, Alexandra has styled the fashion spreads of Click Magazine, created an online store for The Ivory Closet, and launched her own lifestyle blog, while simultaneously working on a Masters degree and planning her wedding this spring, not forgetting probably the most significant addition to her life — baby Jack.

Even other working moms would want to know how she successfully does it all, and in this particular series, how she does it all while maintaining her sense of style.

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“Take everything minute by minute with a list in hand. I find that if I wake up and think about EVERYTHING I have to do at the shops, around the house, and with my masters program while being a mommy to my 6 month old son, planning a wedding, balancing my relationship, friendships, and social life, and staying in shape so my dress will fit on my big day….I instantly melt into a puddle of extreme anxiety,” explains Alexandra.

“I make a list of everything I need to accomplish the night before, so that my head is cleared of all the tasks I must tackle before laying my head down and then I wake up and start on my to do’s. If it does’t all get done, which my overly optimistic personality gives me a 95% fail rate on my list completion, I don’t sweat it. I look at all that I have accomplished and then just add the items that I did not complete to tomorrow’s list. Yes, it is pretty much a never-ending revolving list, but it keeps me on track and my head focused.”

As this year’s Memphis magazine’s Faces of the Mid-South Face of Boutiques and Beauty, Alexandra is recognized for her skill and drive in helping others maintain their style. Owning boutiques to curate style choices and cosmetics for various types of women and offering styling and make-up services is what she is traditionally known for. Her style blog City Chic Living extends that mission even further.

Her clients and readers find a make-up tutorials and styling ideas for classic style suitable and “more feasible for everyday wear.” Particularly now as a mom, her style is all about comfort that quickly be pulled together. Here you see Alexandra in an easy one-piece outfit with fellow new mom Laura, featured last week.

“I have been leaning towards solid pieces because it is easy to achieve a chic look and no hassle accessorizing as anything works with solids!”

“As a fashion stylist and makeup artist, I am constantly asked style questions and makeup trend advice. I love helping others out and am eager to answer any questions that my clients may have, however I feel like my blog is a great way to share more details on popular fashion subjects and questions with everyone in hopes that it will inspire someone to take interest in fashion. Also, I am the type of person that wants to have my hands in everything, try new things, and get crafty for no reason. My blog gives me the outlet to showcase different experiences and hobbies that I enjoy.”

Through her blog, readers also see a more human side to Alexandra, sharing in her deepest moments. She writes emotionally about struggles in her life, such the recent loss of her brother.

“The biggest struggle of my life has been the loss of my little brother this past December. It has really been a challenge to hold it together but I thank God every day for my son, Jack. When times seem unbearable, I take one look at his sweet, innocent, loving face and its an instant dose of happiness and determination to get through, not for myself, but for him as he deserves a happy mommy, a positive environment, and to grow up around optimistic viewpoints.”

With this sort of optimism, Alexandra has purposefully contributed to a city she believes in. Even after traveling and living in Ireland and briefly England, she was drawn back to Memphis.

“Although it was one of the most liberating, empowering decision I ever made in my teenage years, I quickly realized all that I loved about my city. It was only after leaving the city for a while that I realized this is the place that I not only call home, but I WANT to call home,” Alexandra says.

“Memphis is a fabulous city with a lot of opportunity for big dreamers. It is often sold very short, but the potential that this city and its people have is unbelievable, and if we continue to unite and work as one people, we will together uncover all that this city has to offer and free the exuberant light that is busting through the seams at every corner we turn.”

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Make sure to visit the Ivory Closet online store – get first pick on items under New Arrivals before they are sold in the store.

Outfit Details
On Alexandra: Dress – The Attic. Shoes – The Ivory Closet.
On Jack: Outfit – all from Carter’s.

Shoot Location – Harbor Town

Tags Alexandra Nicole, Harbor Town, The Attic, The Cedar Room, The Ivory Closet

Style Sessions We Recommend

Meet the Artist Behind Vashti’s Jewels – Q & A with Carole Manley

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date May 8, 2015

If you’ve visited MUSE boutique downtown, you might have noticed a local line of handmade jewelry they feature – Vashti’s Jewels. In fact, a couple of the heirloom quality necklaces from that line were included in the Style Sessions Favorite Finds list earlier this year. Today, we have the pleasure of meeting the artist behind Vashti’s Jewels – Carole Manley. Carole’s attention to the jewels she incorporates, the decorative fasteners, and special crafting techniques are what make the pieces such great heirlooms.

See some of her current pieces below, perfect gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

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How did get started in jewelry design?
 I have been interested in stones since I was a young girl. My mother was a diamond buyer for DeBeers and she and I would go to diamond auctions together. It was fascinating to me then and now that such beautiful crystals were produced by the earth. I incorporate semi-precious stones in all of my jewelry. Jewelry making techniques that I use are wire wrapping, bead knotting, and intricate beading. I like to work with copper, sterling silver and gold filled/plated wire, and silk thread. I learned my jewelry making skills from Adele Gomero, and I am very particular about quality workmanship.  

How did you decide on the name of Vashti’s Jewels?
Queen Vashti is a Biblical name from the Old Testament book of Esther. Queen Vashti was beautiful, independent, mysterious, and true to her convictions. I envision Queen Vashti as having many precious jewels. I want whoever is wearing or giving my jewelry to feel the spirit of Queen Vashti.

Tell us about your Memphis.
 I love the flavor of Memphis. I enjoy the adventure of frequent travel, however, it is good to come home to Memphis. I have lived in Memphis most of my life, and for the past 12 years, I have had the excitement of living in downtown Memphis. I love to go to the Orpheum, Grizzlies games — My favorite player is Mike Conley, and I love his mother’s taste in jewelry — and visit museums.

What are some of your signature pieces?
You can find my signature ” Pics and Pearls” earrings at STAX Museum. I do take custom orders for “Pics and Pearls” earrings. MUSE Inspired Fashion also carries my necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I have just started beading bracelets and earrings. This technique is fun, but very time consuming. I enjoy visiting MUSE to see all the new fashions and creating strong statement jewelry pieces to compliment the fashions. Or maybe the fashions compliment my jewelry designs! My earrings will soon return to Delta Groove Yoga Studio*.

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*Carole also teaches private yoga lessons, and is in RYT-500 hr. Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training at Delta Groove Yoga Studio.

“I am very grateful for all the many positive moments in my life. It is rewarding to create and design jewelry art, and know that someone selected my jewelry to add beauty to her/his life.” – Carole

Contact Details:
 Carole Manley 
Vashti’s Jewels 
(901) 337-1361
 carolemanley21@yahoo.com

Tags Carole Manley, Delta Groove, Muse, Vashti's Jewels

Style Sessions We Recommend

Moms with Style – Laura Boswell and daughter Leighton – Walking in Memphis in High Heels

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date May 7, 2015

For Laura Boswell, author of the style blog Walking in Memphis in High Heels, the inevitable change is a positive one. As the first in the Moms with Style series this month, Laura shares her experience as a new mom while managing in the fun of fashion and life she’s always had.

Followers of her blog have been guided through Memphis by her warm smile that enhances her appeal as a pioneer of sorts, confidently exploring new trends. Candidly documenting her outfits during the week, readers get to discover real ways to enjoy the challenge of work wear. Her exploration of new trends begin to make work wear more chic and feminine.

Now a new mom to 6-month-old Leighton, Laura finds a way to incorporate comfort with style and, of course, includes baby in on the fun.

“I wear high heels most everyday, especially for work, but when I am out and about with Leighton (at the zoo for instance), I always pack a pair of sandals. I tend to go for rompers, jeans or shorts instead of dresses and skirts since I am bound to end up on the ground playing with Leighton at some point during the day.”

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“Layer when you can. It makes you look more pulled together even if you really just threw the first thing on you could reach for in your closet. I also throw a Chewbeads necklace or bangle in my bag so Leighton has something to chew on. I am notorious for carrying a huge diaper bag that doubles as my purse too,” she adds.

“My favorite part of style blogging is trying to come up with an outfit by mixing pieces I already have in my closet. I never got the artistic gene like my siblings, but I did get the artistic gene when it comes to picking out outfits. I love to mix and match pieces to try to create a new outfit that makes each piece look completely different depending on what you pair it with.”

She admits the act of blogging has attributed to her adventurous sense of style, helping her step out of her comfort zone. As for advice to other bloggers, she recommends what has worked for her – to “be yourself.”

“I think people will genuinely appreciate you and like you for being who you are best – yourself. I think it really shows through in your pictures and in your words, and others will see the passion you have for what you are blogging about. Also, try to take great pictures. Everyone loves a pretty picture, and it is the first thing they will see when going to your blog.”

This Mother’s Day, Laura hopes to share a relaxed weekend with her husband Shane and baby Leighton. A significant day as it’s her first year celebrating as a mom and even more emotional since Leighton was a long-awaited.

“Our little miracle baby,” she says. “It was a long and emotional time, but it was worth every second of it.”

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Here also, Leighton has her first playdate with the baby boy of the next stylish mom featured in this series to be revealed next week but we’ll welcome any guesses you want to share.

In the meantime, click over to Laura’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide for some ideas for moms of all ages.

Outfit Details
On Leighton
Oh So Vera Bloomies & Headband
Old Navy Eyelet Top

On Laura
Francesca’s Collections Romper
Crazy Beautiful Boutique Denim Jacket
Sam Edelman Sandals
Rebecca Minkoff Diaper Bag
Ray-Ban Aviators

Tags baby fashion, Gift Guide, Laura Boswell, Mother's Day, rompers, Walking in Memphis in High Heels

Style Sessions We Recommend

Style Week with Vera Stanfield – Look 5 – On Stage with the Side Street Steppers

Post author By Sophorn Kuoy
Post date May 1, 2015

Today, we go from the porch to the stage to spotlight Vera and the Side Street Steppers, a band she founded with her husband Christian. According to their website, their music hasn’t been easily described. They play music from a historically large range of time they used to describe as pre-war. They cover many genres — “blues, jazz, country, hokum, jug band, fiddle tunes, and more.” The chosen description in short is “Vintage Music.”

“Vintage Music is old music, but not just any old music. Vintage Music is timeless, as exciting to listen to today as it was when first performed. This is the music of America, of all the people who have come and gone and contributed a verse to our national song. Collectively, it tells the story of who we are and where we have been—what we have endured and how we got through.” — Excerpt from Side Street Steppers website.

Recalling Vera’s story about falling in love with this style of music through dancing, there seemed to be a connection to dance through the band name the Side Street Steppers.

“So it seems like almost all the bands who play this style of music have band names based on the formula ‘The Something Something Something-ers.’ For example, The Asylum Street Spankers, the Jake Leg Stompers, the California Feet Warmers, and the Cheap Suit Serenaders. So, since Christian and I met and love dancing, we took Steppers. And because this music is a little off the beaten path, we decided Side Street, as opposed to Main Street.” Vera confirms.

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To see them perform is to give in to dance-inducing music, at least by not resisting the urge to tap your feet or bop your shoulders. It’s natural that they are the live music you find at swing dances or parties. On a Friday night in February, the Side Street Steppers perform for the Red Hot Lindy Hop. Almost every Friday night, this local swing dance troupe takes over the Rumba Room downtown to give free swing dance lessons and hosts a good old-fashioned social around music and dance.

That night, Vera and Christian were joined by their original bandmate Nate Breckenridge filling in on upright bass and back-up musician Sarah Anne Rector on washboard. They play here again on May 8th. You’ll also find the band performing regularly at Central BBQ midtown on Wednesdays. The next upcoming event is this Saturday, May 2nd at the Tennessee Brewery Revival from 3 to 7pm.

“I love this event, and I’ve already been several times this year, so I’m really looking forward to performing there!” says Vera about the Tennessee Brewery Revival.

A brand new album is also in store for the Side Street Steppers. Their third record will be called If It Don’t Fit, Don’t Force It already recorded, mixed, and mastered. They just need your help getting the art and physical manufacturing funded. They are raising the last $2,000 on Kickstarter with 8 days to go. The campaign allows a pre-order of the CD with other rewards such as t-shirts and stickers. Click here to see the campaign and contribute.

Outfit Details
Dress by Trashy Diva from Red Velvet Vintage
Shoes by Michael Kors
Vintage Bakelite Bangles gifted from Christian

Thanks everyone for following this week of style and special thanks to Vera and Christian for welcoming us in. Have a great music weekend!

Tags brewery, Central BBQ, Christian Stanfield, Red Hot Lindy Hop, Rumba Room, Side Street Steppers, Vera Stanfield